This career-spanning collection profiles a trailblazing fiddler who joined Bill Monroe's group in 1966 before expanding into multiple musical genres. Recorded both live and in the studio, these 16 tracks from the 1960s to the 90s range from classical, jazz, and rock fusions to pure acoustic bluegrass, Bach, Irish airs, and beyond. Highlights include "Ghost Train," "Blue Rondo à la Turk," "Soldier's Joy," "Fiddle Rock," "Rain and Snow," and "Orange Blossom Medley."

"Exploring the work of other fiddlers on vinyl, I discovered how Richard's playing was rooted in several traditions, such as the 'hot violin' of Joe Venuti and Stuff Smith, or the legendary Scotty Stoneman … but it became more and more obvious that this guy was doing something absolutely original and instantly identifiable."—Darol Anger, Turtle Island String Quartet

"The only violinist in the world who can play anything on that instrument, and with so ecstatic a tone."—jazz critic Nat Hentoff

"Great technique, daring invention, a sensitivity to the music's inner soul, and a fiery presentation."—Bluegrass Unlimited